5. Archive.org: This site's not a music service per se, but it does offer an interesting collection of live albums by some very popular bands. Archive.org was set up as a service that archives and collects images of Web sites, kind of like a carbon copy of the internet for future generations and historians. Over the years, it has become a hub for artists who are friendly towards fan participation and bootlegs of their concerts. The "live music archive" section has some amazing live concerts, and the forums are always buzzing with information about the latest bands on tour. In order to avoid becoming an illegal file sharing site, Archive.org has set up guidelines on what can and cannot be uploaded, and provides a list of bands that have given Archive.org the heads up for their music to be shared on the site. For fans who like to collect live albums, Archive.org is the best place to get live MP3s for free. Unfortunately, the site is poorly designed and has recently dealt with server problems. Since they are a free, non-profit service, consider donating if you like what they offer.
Of course, this is only the beginning of the legal MP3 download sites out there. There are plenty more, and you can certainly find great music and discover new music this holiday season. Just keep it legal, please; legal downloading is the only way we can make the MP3 a perfectly viable music format.
Article comments
1 - wyly
Kevin:
You said this about Napter: "While Napster's not the best choice out there, it's a good choice for music lovers who mainly stick to the pop charts and radio top 20 hits."
How did you come up with this? Napster's music library is over 5 million songs. Top 20? Gimme a break! I subscribe and I can tell your readers it is well worth the price. You have no idea what you are missing until you try it. Of course, if you just listen to the same 20 songs over and over it's not for you. Exactly the opposite, though, of what you just wrote in your blog.